Dialing Myself on the Phone

Recently I was moving my laptop, cell phone, and assorted books and papers from one room to another, the phone rang. I rushed to put down my stuff to answer the call before the answering machine could pick-up. "Hello," I said. No reply. I said hello again when I heard rustling, but still no reply. So I hung up and returned to my stuff on the floor. When I picked up my cell phone I discovered that I had accidentally speed-dialed my home phone!

I chuckled to myself, but then wondered: How many times are my prayers more like calling myself than calling on God?

An example, when I am falsely accused, I plead with God for vindication. I want my name cleared and the guilty person held accountable for the harm done to my reputation. But then I get impatient with God and try to vindicate myself. I may as well be praying to myself.

Vindication does not come from self-defensive arguments, it stems from integrity (Psalm  26:1). It requires that I allow God to examine my mind and heart and that I walk in His truth. This, of course, requires patient waiting. When we call on God, He will help us, but in His perfect time and in His perfect way.